Stalled out

[liadethornegge]

Now I find myself in the same position I was in re the needlebooks about five days ago. I had the pattern transferred to fabric and I had the fabric stretched in a frame, but I was paralyzed. Didn't know where to start. That was when I left the first one on the wayside and quickly did up the transferring, stretching and dove straight into embroidering the background in green on another needlebook.

Now I'm at that point again, the background is filled in but I'm unsure how to proceed. Do the flowers first? The vines? Or the "knotwork"? Not sure what stitch to use, nor what colour. I suppose I could postpone yet another decision by going to the other side of the needlebook and doing the background there - but I want to see how it will turn out, I want to know if I did in fact start at the right end or not.

If anyone out there has done this kind of project, or knows anyone who has done brick stitch etc on linen, please talk to me. I feel so lost.

I'm at about the same place with my sewing project. The English fitted gown has ground to a stand-still. I think I really could have used a sewing circle last Saturday rather than a business meeting. *sigh*

Yes, all is gloom and despair. Maybe I need to check out my niggle-list again and see if I can strike something off it.

Comments

[hobbitomm.livejournal.com]

Well, if you're stuck with what to start with, you could always make a start on this (http://www.hamptoncourtpalace.org.uk/Images/989776_179.jpg) for me ;)

[liadethornegge.livejournal.com]

Hmm, are we fishing there again? I'm telling you that that would take years for me to finish. Besides which, I don't have any silver thread, nor know where to get it in sufficient amounts. Nor could I afford it!

Can't you wish for something a bit more doable? I feel all uncharitable when I keep saying no like this.

[hobbitomm.livejournal.com]

*laugh*

I was teasing! I know it'd take years!

Kit is working on my new court gear, and it looks nothing like that!

If you ever feel like doing something for me, I'm still scrollless for all of my awards, but aside from that, just keep putting up the pretty pictures!

[liadethornegge.livejournal.com]

I would love to do a scroll for you! Which ones are you waiting for, who gave them out and when?

I'll talk to Bridget and make sure they're being worked on or I can do them.

Do you have a preference for style?

[hobbitomm.livejournal.com]

Ooooooh! Only if you're sure.

I got my AoA from Mel and Peregrine
I got my Linquistringes from Aelinor, I think
I got my Silver Guard from Padraig and Elsa

Not sure if any of them have been given out (a couple of people have said they were working on something, but.....)

Style wise? I'm a 16th century boy, I'm afraid...

[bippimalin.livejournal.com]

*writes again since I forgot to log in* Duh!
Are you going to fill the whole needlebook-thing with brick stitch only? If not, why not use the really cool looking plaited-whatever stitch that's used in several purses, coifs and the Maggie Laton jacket as the stems of the vines in your embroidery?
I dunno what it's called, but maybe you understand anyway. I figure I could always mail an imge of what I mean in the worst case. :D

*isn't very specific about embroideries*

[liadethornegge.livejournal.com]

Aah, I wondered who that was :)

Yes, I know which stitch you're talking about, but I'm not sure I have enough space to do it.

I don't know (yet) how do to it either! And as far as I can tell, that was usually done with the gold or silver thread, the stems were fancy bits. I don't know if I'm confident enough to use the gold DMC floss I bought. I know I'm a wimp!

Oh, er, I did not plan on using only brick stitch, no. The flowers will eventually be worked up in detached buttonhole stitch, like I did on my Kingdom needlebooks directly onto wool. This will be on a much smaller scale though. Hope I can make it look good.

[bippimalin.livejournal.com]

Of course you have enough space for it, "just" do it small. ;P
(I do know that is easier said then done.) :D

Well, a similar looing stitch (but in a viking timeframe) is available here: http://www.cs.vassar.edu/~capriest/vikembroid.html

I've been thinking I'll try to learn it myself, and compare those viking stitches with other similar looking stitches to see which ones look nicest. I just never seem to have the time.

The flowers sound like they will look very nice. :)

the really cool looking plaited-whatever stitch

[purplemermaid.livejournal.com]

Braid stitch (simple - I conquored it in about 4-6cm) or plaited braid (more difficult and I haven't cracked this as yet). I have the instructions for both if you want them.

Re: the really cool looking plaited-whatever stitch

[liadethornegge.livejournal.com]

Ooh, yes, please! Send, send! lia dot thornegge at gmail dot com if you haven't got an address :)